I AM responding to recent letters calling for a permanent ice rink in Bournemouth.

I would like to reassure residents the council are committed to working with the private sector to provide a new, permanent ice facility for Bournemouth. Whilst we continue to support a permanent ice rink in King’s Park it is important to understand that we are dependent upon a developer coming forward with a viable proposal.

We have honoured our promise and land at King’s Park has been earmarked as a suitable site and was given planning permission in October 2010.

I continue to share people’s frustration but at present there is a difficulty in finding a developer who can finance an ice facility at Kings Park.

I hope the fact that we are still attempting to find a suitable party to work with should offer some encouragement to all those who would like to see this facility in Bournemouth.

CLLR LAWRENCE WILLIAMS, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Culture, Bournemouth Borough Council